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INTRODUCTION

Injection palsy also known as sciatic nerve injury is characterised by an injury to the sciatic nerve only, caused by an intramuscular injection in the gluteal region which lead to varrying motor and sensory defficiency on the affected lower limb.

Safe Point For Gluteal Intramuscular Injection

The ideal area for gluteal intramuscular injection is the upper lateral quadrant of the gluteaus.

Causes Of Injection Palsy

• The most common cause of injection palsy is a misplaced intramuscular injection at the gluteal region.
• Spondylolisthesis
• Growth in the spinal canal.

Presentation Of Injection Palsy

Injection palsy causes damage to the harmstring muscles, calf muscles and the plantaflexors of the foot. And it presents with;

• High stepping gait, due to weakness of the muscles of dorsiflexion
• Circumducted gait
• Foot drop

DIAGNOSIS

Detailed diagnosis of injection palsy can be done using

• Subjective analysis, which is basically what the patient feels.
• Objective analysis, using physical observations.
• Electro-diagnostic studies such as
  i. Electromyography
  ii. Magnetic resonance imaging.

Physiotherapy Management Of Injection Palsy

Due to the fact that nervous injuries take time to heal, it can only be managed. Sciativ nerve injury can be managed by;

• Pain management: pains caused by sciatic nerve injury can be managed using transcutaenous electrical nerve stimulator, massage, desensitisation.
• Exercise prescription can aid to prevent total muscle damage.
• Soft tissue mobilization to retain muscle flexibility.
• Splinting/bracing following injury may help to prevent foot drop.